Smart Guide to Dumbbells

This is not an attempt to turn you into Arnold Schwarzenegger or train you to compete in an Olympic weight-lifting event.

This story is for real people who lead real lives. People who want to stand a little taller, carry luggage with ease, and look good in a sleeveless shirt.

The fact is, if you are over 45 and are not in some kind of training program, you are losing an average of 5 to 7 pounds of muscle per decade. This loss of muscle can make such daily activities as walking the dog or gardening more of a rigorous chore.

But there is a way to make life a little easier. Studies show that through a simple weight-training program, much of your muscle strength can be maintained and even increased. And, believe it or not, you are never too old to see results.